The Gateway of Hope is readying about 950 packs of school supplies for local children.
The public can help with the annual School Supply Drive by contributing the items kids need for class or money.
"While everyone is planning summer vacation we in full swing of planning and organizing our Back 2 School School Supply program," explained Andréa Voss, Gateway's family services coordinator. "Registration has started and will continue until Aug. 9. Our deadline is earlier this year, compared to previous years, because school starts right after the September long weekend – Sept 3. We need to organize, order, and pack all the supplies and make sure that all those that have registered receive a backpack full of supplies."
The school supply drive is about help families that are struggling financially.
"The rise of the cost of living affects all of us," Voss commented. "With the rise in inflation this has made everything more expensive including school supplies.
And so many families are feeling the crunch. We are noticing many of the families who register are spending 50 per cent or more on shelter cost. This program is one way we can assist families who are feeling the pressure of trying to make ends meet."
The public is asked to make donations by Friday, Aug. 9 so that supplies can be sorted and financial donations can be used to purchase necessary items.
The packs of school supplies are available to students from kindergarten through Grade 12 in the 91Ô­´´ School District.
"We try make the program as accessible as possible – with our registration being in person, online, or email," Voss noted.
People needing school supplies for their children can apply through the Gateway of Hope website. The packs are grade appropriate.
Needed are items such as pencil, highlighters, blue and red pens, white erasers, pencil sharpeners, glue sticks, 30-centimetre rulers, scissors, crayons, pencil crayons, markers, lined paper, pencil cases or boxes, geometry kits, Hilroy notebooks, duotangs, and backpacks. Donations can be dropped off at Gateway, 5787 91Ô­´´ Bypass. Financial donations can be made through the website as well.
Gateway partners with various groups in the community for the annual school supply drive.
"We have some wonderful partners – CLA, The Village Church, and Southgate Church," she said "We also have volunteer groups to help us pack and deliver such as Gulf & Fraser Credit Union, and Telus."
Voss noted that those who register by the deadline will receive packs.
"We encourage everyone to register early so they can be guaranteed a back pack. However, we will try our best to assist those who miss the deadline," she said.
The packs will be delivered on Tuesday, Aug. 20.
"Thanks to our volunteers, we are able to deliver all the backpacks right to the families," she said. "I have volunteers comment 'It’s like Christmas in July.' They love seeing the excitement on the children’s faces when they get their supplies."

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